The five phases is a 2000 year old Chinese theory
which is used to align human behaviour with
natural cycles of change. Learn about its
history as well as new perspectives which
reflect contemporary ideas and issues.
new perspectives on the five phases
HEAVEN IS ROUND
new perspectives on the five phases
The five phases is a 2000 year old Chinese theory
that is used to align human behaviour with natural
cycles of change. Learn about its history as well as
new perspectives which reflect contemporary
ideas and issues.
In tandem with the above, I have worked as a
team leader at an international college for ecological
studies, and as a manager and fundraiser in the voluntary &
community (nonprofit) sector. I’ve worked with a wide range
of client groups from refugee families to school refusers.
Following an early career in contemporary dance, I trained as a
Core Process psychotherapist and Shiatsu practitioner in the
‘90s, and studied moving meditation and percussion with
teachers from Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. In 2005 I set up
a community project to make taiko (Japanese drums)
and I had the opportunity to study with a Japanese
master craftsman. Since then, I’ve taught taiko in
schools and other settings. I ran a successful performing
group for over fifteen years.
Feel free to get in touch
new perspectives on the five phases
I have recently set up a project to provide support
sessions for people involved in community work. To
access this service go to: stresslines.org.uk
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Following an early career in contemporary dance, I
trained as a Core Process psychotherapist and
Shiatsu practitioner in the ‘90s, and studied
moving meditation and percussion with
teachers from Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. In
2005, I set up a community project to make
taiko (Japanese drums) with vulnerable young
people. This led to the opportunity to study with
a Japanese master taiko-maker. Since then, I’ve
taught taiko in schools and other settings. I ran a
successful performing group for over fifteen years.
Feel free to get in touch
new perspectives on the five phases
In tandem with the above, I have worked as a team leader at
an international college for ecological studies, and as a
manager and fundraiser in the voluntary & community
(nonprofit) sector. I’ve worked with a wide range of client
groups from refugee families to school refusers.
I have recently set up a project to provide
support sessions for people involved in
community work. To access this service go to:
stresslines.org.uk
new perspectives on the five phases
The Foundation series addresses a handful
of basic questions:
•
Why five? What’s special about five?
•
Why those five? Why fire, water, wood,
metal and earth?
•
Isn’t this called the Five Elements?
•
How does it compare to the Greek four
elements?
•
Is there a connection to yin and yang?
It’s amazing how much content can be
generated from a few questions!
Access this series using the buttons on the
right.
ACCESS
Foundation Series
98% of the content is written in
English, but of course there are
some Chinese words.
This 10 min audio guide explains
the tones of Mandarin Chinese,
so your ears are ready for the
range of sounds.
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Foundation Series
The Foundation series addresses a handful of
basic questions:
•
Why five? What’s special about five?
•
Why those five? Why fire, water, wood, metal
and earth?
•
Isn’t this called the Five Elements?
•
How does it compare to the Greek four
elements?
•
Is there a connection to yin and yang?
It’s amazing how much content can be
generated from a few questions!
access
Foundation
issues
new perspectives on the five phases
98% of that content is written
in English, but of course there
are some Chinese words.
A 10 min audio guide explains
the tones of Mandarin
Chinese, so your ears are
ready for the range of sounds.
Audio Guide
Riding the Waves of Change begins by
surfing through the historical setting. Then
I introduce the backstory of Heaven is
Round and the Foundation series.
Before turning to the new perspectives, I
explain which aspects of the traditional
theory I keep and which not.
Lastly, there’s an overview of future series
which range from human evolution to
contemporary organisational practices.
F1 - Foundation Issue One
Riding the Waves of Change
Artwork by Thyme Leng
new perspectives on the five phases
ACCESS
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Riding the Waves of Change
F1 - Foundation Issue One
Riding the Waves of Change begins by surfing
through the historical setting. Then I introduce
the backstory of Heaven is Round and the whole
Foundation series.
Before turning to the new perspectives, I explain
which aspects of the traditional theory I keep
and which not. Lastly, there’s an overview of
future series which range from human evolution
to contemporary organisational practices.
Artwork by Thyme Leng
access
other issues
access
this issue
new perspectives on the five phases
This theory has been translated as the five
phases, elements, processes, agents, forces
and more…
Its Chinese name is wuxing. Wu 五 means
five. Nice and simple, no problems there,
but what about xing 行?
Typical of Chinese characters, this ancient
yet common word means different things
depending on the context. To explores its
range of meanings we’ll go on a journey
that begins with the origins of Chinese
writing over 3000 years ago.
At the end of this issue there is a simple
guide to how Chinese characters developed.
F2 - Foundation Issue Two
Rules of Conduct at a Crossroads
new perspectives on the five phases
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HEAVEN IS ROUND
Rules of Conduct at a Crossroads
F2 - Foundation Issue Two
This theory has been translated as the five phases,
elements, processes, agents, forces and more…
Its Chinese name is wuxing. Wu 五 means five.
Nice and simple, no problems there, but what
about xing 行?
Typical of Chinese characters, this ancient yet
common word means different things depending
on the context. To explores its range of meanings
we’ll go on a journey that begins with the origins
of Chinese writing over 3000 years ago.
new perspectives on the five phases
access
other issues
access
this issue
Mission of the Five Elements
The best-known translation of wuxing is the
five elements. It’s used by Westerners doing
Tai Chi classes as well as most Chinese people.
Chosen by Jesuits priests over four hundred
years ago, the translation was based on their
knowledge of the Greek four elements: earth,
air, fire and water.
We’ll explore the missionary agenda of Matteo
Ricci (1551 - 1610) who was convinced that
God had been worshipped in ancient China.
F3 - Foundation Issue Three
new perspectives on the five phases
ACCESS
HEAVEN IS ROUND
The best-known translation of wuxing is the five
elements. It’s used by Westerners doing Tai Chi
classes as well as most Chinese people.
Chosen by Jesuits priests over four centuries ago,
this translation was based on their knowledge of
the Greek four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
We’ll explore the missionary agenda of Matteo
Ricci (1551 - 1610) who was convinced that God
had been worshipped in ancient China.
Mission of the Five Elements
F3 - Foundation Issue Three
new perspectives on the five phases
access
other issues
access
this issue